Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
- Why are children expected to keep a planner?
- What is the achievement code?
- What are effort marks?
- When are conferences scheduled?
- What do I do when my child is absent from school?
- How do I arrange for early dismissal?
- What is the homework policy?
- How can I help my child be a better reader?
- What do I do if my child forgets a book at school?
Why are children expected to keep a planner?
Every child should keep a planner for the purpose of recording assignments
and items to be remembered. The planner should be with your child at all
times so he/she can copy the class assignments directly from the "homework
board" in each class. Every teacher lists the work on the board. If no
work
is give the student should write the word "none" next to the name of the
subject. All assignments should be checked off when finished.
The planner is the student's responsibility. Parents may see everything is
completed by referring to them and having the child show what they did in
preparing for school.
What is the achievement code?
A+ = 100; 99; 98
A = 97; 96; 95
A- = 94; 93; 92
B+ = 91; 90; 89
B = 88; 87; 86
B- = 85; 84; 83
C+ = 82; 81; 80
C = 79; 78; 77
C- = 76; 75; 74
D+ = 73; 72; 71
D = 70; 69; 68
D- = 67; 66; 65
F = Below 65
O = Oral explanation is needed
NA = Not Applicable
Mathematics and science are graded using a checklist system.
What are effort marks?
Number grades are given to indicate extent of effort, according to ability
shown by a student and the attitude and habits of the student.
1 - Excellent
2 - Above Average
3 - Average
4 - Below Average
5 - Unsatisfactory
6 - Improving
When are conferences scheduled?
Conferences are scheduled as needed and after the 1st and 3rd marking
periods.
What do I do when my child is absent from school?
In case of absence, your child is expected to make up work missed. After TWO
missed days, you can call the school early in the day so we will have the
work ready for pick-up in the office by 3:00 p.m. or have a classmate bring
the work home.
Written excuses explaining absences are required by state law. (See helpful
form section.)
How do I arrange for early dismissal?
When you need to pick up your child before regular dismissal, a note MUST be
sent to his/her teacher. The note must include the name of the child, the
name of the person picking up the child, the child�s homeroom teacher, and
the time the child will be picked up. Schools are required by law to release
students only to their custodial parents or legal guardians unless otherwise
stated in the note. ALL PARENTS MUST REPORT TO THE OFFICE FOR THEIR CHILDREN.
(See helpful form section for an early dismissal slip.)
What is the homework policy?
The purpose of homework assignments is to review and reinforce skills
presented during class. Students will not be trying to learn a new skill on
their own.
Assignments are listed on the board and should be copied in the planner. We
suggest that parents look over their child's homework including the work
your child says he/she finished in school.
An incomplete or missing assignment will result in loss of classroom
privileges. Three missed assignments in any subject will result in a loss of
points, and a notation on the report card.
How can I help my child be a better reader?
To help your child a better reader, I offer these suggestions:
1) Your child should read orally for ten to fifteen minutes nightly.
2) Silent reading is extremely important. A set block of time should be
established for this activity.
3) Word games such as Boggle and Scrabble help increase your child's
vocabulary, and are helpful in reinforcing spelling and phonics skills.
What do I do if my child forgets a book at school?
The Dallas Library has copies of most of the textbooks used by the Dallas
School District.